UDF leaders deny Amani signed post-election pact with Jubilee

President elect Uhuru Kenyatta and Amani coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi when they addressed a press conference at Uhuru’s residence along state house road.(Photo: Tabitha Otwori/Standard)

By Geoffrey Mosoku and Rosyline Obala

Kenya: The United Democratic Forum ( UDF) has distanced itself from an alleged post-election deal between Jubilee and Amani coalitions.

The party, an affiliate of the Amani coalition acknowledged that according to the Political Parties Act, any pre- or post-elections deal must be deposited with the Registrar of Political Parties.

The Secretary General, Dan Ameyo, therefore disassociated the party from the deal with Jubilee alliance.

Mr Ameyo said in spite of the weekend’s announcement that UDF was among the nine parties that had signed a deal with President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta, there is still no agreement.

On Sunday, UDF chairman Osman Hassan affirmed even if they were to sign a pact, it must be in accordance with the law. “For now nothing concrete has been discussed or signed as purported,” he stated.

He sought to clarify that UDF has not held discussions with the Jubilee alliance for a coalition.

“Our presidential candidate met Uhuru but did not sign any pact as reported,” he said.

Hassan said UDF leader Musalia Mudavadi had briefed the party soon after meeting with Uhuru, but did not inform them of any agreement whatsoever.

“ UDF party wishes to clarify that it has not signed a post or any other agreement with the Jubilee as inaccurately alleged by a section of the Press,” Ameyo noted in a statement to newsrooms.

However, despite the confusion within the party ranks, sources have hinted that Amani coalition presidential candidate Mudavadi was bargaining with Uhuru to be given a free hand to nominate persons who can serve in the Jubilee government from Western and in turn Amani’s 21 legislators will work with Jubilee in Parliament.

The sources say Amani has been promised one Cabinet slot and House Speaker’s position, which the coalition wants to go to New Ford-Kenya party leader and Justice Minister Eugene Wamalwa.

Refuted claims

Inside sources also revealed that Deputy President-elect William Ruto was not comfortable with Kanu, which is part of Amani.

And the party was absent at the meeting despite being a partner in the coalition.

Former Cherangany MP Joshua Kutuny on Sunday refuted claims that URP and Ruto were not comfortable working with Amani, saying in any case it was Ruto who began courting them.

Mudavadi through his spokesman Kibisu Kabatesi said there was nothing wrong with meeting Uhuru or even Prime Minister Raila Odinga of CORD to discuss coalition agreements.

“There is nothing wrong with Mudavadi meeting Uhuru. Of course there is no formal deal but there are ongoing discussions. You can only form an alliance with the winner but that does not mean he can’t meet Raila,” he said.